Safety

There are high rates of emergency department visits in children and youth due to preventable injuries. Learn about different ways to keep your child safe from sports-related injuries like concussions to online safety.

The major causes of injury leading to emergency department visits in children aged five to 14 years in Niagara include:

Learn about other safety concerns and how you can prevent injuries.

  • Biking

    Biking is an excellent family activity, and a safe way for kids and teens to get to school. It also keeps everyone physically active, is good for the environment, and allows families to explore local trails together.

    Parents must make sure that children know the rules of the road and have proper equipment to prevent injuries. Learn about safe biking lessons for children.

    Remind your child that the law requires people under 18 to wear a helmet.

  • Falls

    As children grow, where they fall changes. Children between five and nine years of age are most likely to be injured and hospitalized for a fall at the playground. Children and youth aged 10 to 14 are most likely to be hospitalized for a fall and resulting injury while playing a sport.

    For more information on fall prevention visit Parachute Canada.

  • Online safety

    In today's cyber world, children are involved with social media and Internet use at younger ages. Online safety is a great concern for parents. Being aware of your child’s cyber use will help prevent problems before they happen.

    Teens spend a lot of time online, and use social media as one of the main methods of communication with their peers. It's important for parents to speak openly and honestly about the risk their teens may face online.

    Learn how you can help keep your child and teen safe while they're online and using social media.

  • Sun safety

    Having the sun shining on you feels good, but the sun's rays can be damaging to the skin and eyes. Children and teens should avoid getting a tan or a sunburn.

    Children’s skin is very sensitive and can burn quickly and easily. Teach your child how to enjoy the sun safely.

    Teens need to be as safe in the sun as children. The sun’s rays can quickly burn a young person’s skin and cause lifelong damage. It can also cause premature aging and wrinkles. 

    There is no such thing as a safe tan, whether indoors or outdoors. Exposure to ultraviolet rays (from the sun or tanning equipment) will increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

    Children and teens should never use indoor tanning equipment. Learn about the dangers of tanning.

  • Ticks and Lyme disease

    Concern about ticks and Lyme disease is relatively new in Canada. Unfortunately, some ticks carry a bacteria that can cause serious illness.

    A great time to give your child a quick tick check is just before your child’s bath or shower, especially if they've been playing outside. Ticks are known to hide in:

    • Scalp and hairline
    • Behind the ears
    • Armpits
    • Between the legs
    • Behind knees
    • Belly button

    Protect your family against ticks and Lyme disease.

  • Walking to school

    Walking to school can be an important source of physical activity for students. Be sure to review pedestrian road safety with your child and how to safely walk to and from school.

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